The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, following reports that a 13-year-old deaf and non-speaking girl was allegedly impregnated while in the care of his family.
Essien, who is attached to the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, is at the centre of the allegation, which has also triggered investigations by relevant civilian authorities in Taraba State.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, saying the military had initiated steps to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
Olukoya said the Army was aware of reports circulating online and stressed that allegations involving minors and other vulnerable persons were treated with utmost seriousness by the military.
“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness,” he said.
According to him, the Army had commenced appropriate procedures to determine what transpired, while urging the public to exercise restraint until the investigation is concluded.
He said it would be premature to determine the culpability of any individual while the matter remained under investigation.
“As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage,” Olukoya said.
The Army spokesman added that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with due process, fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties.
The military also confirmed that civilian authorities were conducting their own investigation and assured that it would cooperate fully with them to ensure a thorough and transparent process in line with existing laws and regulations.
The development followed reports concerning the teenager, said to be the younger step-sister of Essien’s wife, Blessing, who was reportedly taken into the family’s care in Taraba State to enable her attend school.
Sources familiar with the matter alleged that concerns later emerged over the girl’s welfare after claims that she had been sexually abused, resulting in pregnancy and the subsequent birth of a child.
The allegations have attracted the attention of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the state chapter of the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities.
The Nigerian Army said any personnel found culpable of violating the law or military regulations would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
It reaffirmed that discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity remained fundamental values of the service.
